Interview: Son Cares for His 100-Year Old Mother
Two factors are necessary for a mother's happy, healthy life past the age of 100: God’s favor and a caregiver son like Richard.
Richard, 60 something, does not seem to worry or sweat. His cheery disposition and debonair fashion (both constant) reveal a life of ease, causing one to wonder if he is specially gifted for his role. Then on hearing that for 15 years he has been the sole caregiver to his 101-year old mother, Mrs. Louise Isaac (plus his sister who is 12 years his senior) there is no more wondering.
Richard, his mother and sister are natives of Cayon, St. Kitts in the Caribbean twin-island federation of St.Kitts-Nevis, where they presently reside. In 2014, Mother Louise’s 100th birthday celebration was a community affair, including government officials and scores of natives who flew home from abroad to participate in the historic event. In 2015 (February 15), she added another birthday and we invited Richard to take a bow.
There is much reason to applaud him in his answers to the following questions.
Bordered by Caribbean Sea (west) and Atlantic Ocean (east)
Saint Kitts and Nevis - (1) Richard, compare you life before with your life now as a caregiver.
“I have lived a full life. I owned my own business in the World Financial District just before 9/11; afterwards, I obtained business employment at the world famous Apollo Theater, and I had my own home.
I willingly left New York and came back to the Caribbean to care for my mother, because I wanted to ensure that she was as happy and healthy as possible.
My sister who also lived in New York wanted to stay with me after she suffered 3 strokes, and I told her to come on. When I left home at age 18, she gave me her full support, and helped me become the man I am today. I’ve been there, done that and now it is my turn to take care of my mother and sister.
I prepare their meals, clean up after them, do their laundry, take them to their medical appointments and anything else I need to do to make them happy and comfortable. I genuinely love them. They’re not interrupting my life, as some people think. They’re my life now.”
Richard and Mother Louise Hanging Out Together
(2) Do you have siblings? Where are they in all this?
"We are 8 boys and 4 girls and I am the 11th of the 12. Some of my siblings are also in New York, and they thought it would be easier for everyone if our mom lived there. However, my mom wanted to live in St. Kitts. Since some of them were not keen on the move, I did it alone because my mother’s happiness was important to me. Now the others visit us here whenever they wish."
Richard and Mom: Off to Church
(3) What is the best part of spending this time with your mother?
"First, it was an honor to be part of her 100th birthday celebration. It was the thrill of a lifetime. Nobody can take that away from me.
She reads her Bible, her Prayer Book, Daily Bread devotionals, and she talks faith all the time. She is grateful to God, and she makes me grateful too, that she is still able to do most things for herself. She still sews and threads her own needle. I get to see firsthand what an incredible woman she is.
My mother still visits the sick and speak words of encouragement to them. She sings to them. Ship Ahoy is one of her favorite songs. Then she tells them about her preparation to meet her King.
She makes me laugh. She tells me, 'Richard, be sure that I look good in the casket.' She wants to be dressed beautifully, and she wants Lousiana-type music on the way to the cemetery. No sadness, only joy and praises to God for a long life, well-lived."
(4) Within this entire situation, would you say that there are any difficulties?
"My only difficulty has to do with my indecision to remain or not remain in the Caribbean because the medical needs of my mom and my sister may be better served abroad. However, if we move, it will be our united decision. Otherwise, I am very contented. I learned contentment from my mom."
(5) What do you say to other caregivers?
“Love yourself, love people, love what you do. Be patient, contented and generous. Give and life gives back to you.”
Richard Participating in His Mother's 100th Birthday Celebration
Are you interested in some of Mother Louise's health habits?
In Addition
Meanwhile, Richard has also served his church (Cayon Bethesda Moravian) as an elder, and still functions as choir member, president of the Bethesda Men's Club and coach for the Boys' Club.
Both Richard's mother and sister agree that he is the most caring caregiver anyone could have. His sister adds that he gets firm with them only when he insists that they be punctual for appointments or events; and she does not hold that against him. For them, Richard is the only caregiver they want; for us, he is the model of a positive, efficient caregiver.
© 2015 Dora Isaac Weithers
Comments
I love this information form the heart of wisdom! “Love yourself, love people , love what you do. Be patient, contented and generous. Give and life gives back to you.” Wonderful Hub Ms. Dora! Voted up and tweeted out!
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Emunah, I love that quote too. Thanks for your quick encouraging comment.
What a beautiful tribute and story. My goodness, you just restored my faith in mankind with this wonderful interview.
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Bill, I just think that Richard deserves to be celebrated. Thanks for the affirmation!
Hi MsDora, it was refreshing to read this article about Richard. He's doing remarkably well taking care of both mom and sister. That's what family is wall about, allowing love to shine through. I may let you write a story about my showing love, one day MsDora. In the meantime, keep the wonderful stories coming. Give us more!
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Word, good to hear from you. Will be honored to write your story. Thanks for your comment.
Did I notice Isaac in there -- are these relations? What a wonderful story, do not tell anyone but it had me crying. You really can get across the beauty of people in your stories. Thank you.
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Eric, you're so observant. Richard's mother--Mother Louise--is related to me by her marriage to my great uncle (now deceased). Yes, there are still some beautiful people around, and Richard is one of them.
what a wonderful heart warming.. pleasing story MsDora you could only Bless people like Richard a thousand times.. thank you for sharing :)
Beautiful hub MsDora. I admire Richard and the woderful job caring for his mother and sister. How amazing his mother looks for her age too. I too am a carer so I can appreciate what he is doing. Voted up.
Aw, what a heartwarming tribute here. Wow, look how lovely his mother is at 100+ and what a special son she has in him! I believe his mother passed down the key to her son ... in being content in whatever circumstances and it shows in these wonderful photos.
Thank you for sharing.
Up ++++ tweeting, pinning and sharing
God bless you all
How wonderful to "meet" this family through your post. Thank you for sharing their story, both as an encouragement to other caregivers and an example for families to follow.
This is another of your beautiful and inspiring articles that I am sharing broadly with others! Not only is Richard an awesome caregiver, but his 101-year old mother is gorgeous and amazing-- standing up to sing at her birthday celebration like someone half her age! And maybe one of her health tips has something to do with having 12 kids and insisting on dressing beautifully? Thanks MsDora for this lovely story!
It is amazing for her son to stay by his mom side for so many years
Such a beautiful and touching hub!
The World is full of beautiful, kind and caring people. Blessed are those who get the opportunity to take care of their parents and also blessed are those parents who are taken care of by their children so lovingly.
Wonderful, touching and well expressed! Voted up and thanks for sharing!
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Thanks, Frank. I will invite Richard to read your blessing; yes he deserves it.
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Jodah, Richard is a great source of encouragement to other caregivers like you and me. I pray strength, patience and all the other attributes we caregivers need for our role. Best to you!
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You're right, Faith. Imagine Richard's mother giving him a "God bless you" several times a day. It shows on him.
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RTalloni, thanks for pointing them out as a model for other families. They certainly are.
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Thanks Cynthia. You do have an eye for the beautiful. How well they all dress!
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Peachy, Richard's decision makes him a phenomenon in today's world. Thanks for the opportunity to underscore that.
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Chitrangada, what a privilege to find some of these beautiful people to write about! I love your blessing. Thank you.
101 - wow! And still going strong. What an amazing story, Dora! I'd love to hear how Louise has stayed healthy all these years.
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Shauna, thanks for letting me know that you're interested. Working on it.
Beautiful hub about a sons love for his mom
even age has not separated love. A wonderful inspiration . Thank you for sharing.
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Kiss, thanks for your beautiful observations. "Even age . . ." Well said.
Move naturally and appreciate what you have in life. A beautiful hub and photos are so beautiful.
This is a beautiful and heartwarming story, yes, there are angels among us. Richard is incredible. In my job I see many old folks who are alone, isolated and ignored by their families, it's refreshing to read about someone as generous, loving and caring as Richard. Genuinely love this.
In Ramayana, an Indian epic, there is a great character by the name of Sharawan Kumar, who served his parents so well that even today if a son emulates him, he is called Sharawan Kumar. He was an ancient caregiver. Mr Richard is a modern caregiver and his tale reminds me of that old great tale. I loved this incredible tale of Mr Richard. His mother Lousie is an awesome lady. A great hub about a great man !
what a lovely story of devotion to family and the joys to be found in the simple things. You are fortunate to know this lovely family.
P.S. 7 boys and 4 girls adds to 11 children, not 12. Did you mean 8 boys?
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Devika, thanks especially for mentioning the photos. The one in which they hang out is my favorite.
A beautiful piece and well written!
I've been a caregiver, but not to the depth of Richard's service.
Voted Up, Awesome, and Beautiful. Sharing this one.
What a beautiful example of life at its best! Having someone be with you that cares for you and loves you, clear up to the very end! Thanks for sharing this wonderful example!
For a son to care for his mother and sister...well it is just beyond the call of duty. I could not help but smile at his mom wanting to look good in her casket...sounded just like my mom. I have no idea where that reasoning comes from; I guess is why I find it humorous.
She looks like she may stick around a few more years yet!
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Jo, I've heard those stories too, of parents neglected by their children; Richard is indeed an angel. Thanks for your feedback.
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Harishprasad, thank you for that Indian story about the ancient caregiver. It fits perfectly. I appreciate your input.
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Catherine, thanks for your kind comment. I think that Richard was counting his siblings--7 brothers, 4 sisters and he makes 12. So yes, there are 8 brothers and 4 sisters. Thanks for helping to straightening that out.
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Marie, I'm also a caregiver, and I'm striving to have Richard's attitude of contentment. Thanks for your input.
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Denise, it's the hope of the elderly to be cared for through their final days. Wish it could happen for all like in this case. Thanks for your comment.
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Jackie, I share your observation that she looks well enough to stick around. Thanks for your kind feedback.
Your poll question made me think of Bernardo Lapollo who turned 113 years old this past August. The map helped me remember that he's from Barbados which is too far south and east to be on that map. Still though, I suppose it's in the Caribbean. I wonder if there is an island vibe in all this longevity.
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James, I wish there was since that would be to my advantage. Thanks for your input, especially sharing about Bernardo Lapollo. He's so far ahead! Long live the islanders!
Very wonderful and awesome, Dora! You have presented a very beautiful hub here. Really he is a great person to be caring his mother and sister at this age of above 100 years. I love it. Thanks for sharing this topic.
Voted up and awesome.
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Venkatahari, thanks for your kind comments and your vote. Glad that you love the article.
What a wonderful man MsDora! his whole family are so lovely, and what a great mother to reach such a wonderful age! My brother was carer mainly for my mum and dad too, as I lived away for a while, but came back to help, so I totally understand how the love you can give to your elders is so lovely to do, I loved this!
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Thanks Nell. Nothing more precious than love in the family. Glad you had a chance to help with your parents.
MsDora, how to start, what to say when the life story you are sharing here is so unique , so beautiful, so Divine. We see Richard as a caregiver to his 100 year old mom, while we do not see his mom raising twelve children when she was doing something very right in the sight of the Creator so that seed planted in Richard's life produce a person who in his everyday life of righteousness , made decision to let the world know the road he was walking leading to all the blessings. Simple and powerful. In-between the the lines I can hear in my spirit the fulfillment of psalmist's declaration relating to a 100 years young mom " Because he / she loves me, says the Lord , I will protect... I will answer... I will be with him...I will deliver him and honor him /her . With LONG LIFE I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." Glory be to God !
Voting Up, awesome and beautiful.
Peace with us
This is a very inspiring story, Dora. Thank you for sharing it. I greatly admire Richard and his kindness towards the people he loves.
Thank you for sharing Richard's passion for his family and faith. Doing what honors family is not an interruption to life, it is life. Busyness is not life it is just busyness.
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Michael, your comment is indeed a mini-sermon on God's blessings resulting from good parenting. Thank you very much.
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Alicia, Richard deserves your admiration. Thanks very much on his behalf.
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Judy, I appreciate your very truthful perspective. Thank you very much.
Hello MsDora. Thank you for cautioning signal. In the future I'll try to avoid " sermonizing" I am not in that business ; usually I let my heart to speak as the spirit leads, then my # indicates that this type of language is less appreciated...
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Michael, please continue to let your heart speak as the spirit leads. I may call it a sermon, you may call it something else or not label it all. Fact is, I love your comments and I'm sure other people do too, not matter what they call it. Please continue to let us hear from you. Blessings on you this new week!
There's often not enough support for caregivers like this generous man, kind in spirit and so giving with all his resources. As the parent of an only child and someone who has a disabling condition, I often worry what my future holds in this regard. I hope I have someone who is as good to me as Richard is to his dear mother.
A most wonderful article. Soft and sweet and full of inspiration. A young-looking 101-yr old, and a charming and loyal son.
My brother looked after my mom a lot in the last three years or so, but he was supported from abroad. Life's constant changes affects us all, and there are always reasons why we cannot, or may not all be there, except in spirit, perhaps.
Wonderful and well-written Hub. In Love and Light.
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Fourish, I understand your concern. We cannot be sure of what's ahead, all we can do now is practice the Golden Rule. May the good you do come back to you when you need it. Thanks for weighing in.
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Thanks, Manatita. Certainly, everyone cannot be there and that's all the more reason to bless those who are. Richard is my personal inspiration; just talking with him gives me a lift.
I tried to comment on this a couple of times, and I don't think it worked. Anyway, Richard is doing the right thing, and he'll have no regrets.
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Ologsinquito, thank you for your persistence in trying to comment. Richard needed to hear that.
This is a very heart warming awesome story I have ever read about being a caregiver. I hope there are still a lot of people like him. Thanks for sharing this.
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Thelma, I pray so Thanks for your comment.
I would just like to say thanks to all who commented on the article written about me as the caregiver of Mom and Flo. I feel very Blessed and humbled to be here with them. It is an experience that you just cannot immagine with my Mom who is 101 , God fearing, witty, contented and loving. I am very gratefull for my families support of me. I thank them, and again I thank you. Peace.
Lovely real life story and really touched me. I appreciate Richard's thoughts and the care he is providing for his mom and sis. He is a worthy son.
Voted up and beautiful.
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Rajan, thanks for your encouraging comments. Richard's story is truly inspirational.
Ms Dora, Thanks so much for this wonderful story about Richard. I loved your other Hub about Ms. Dora's healthy habits, and how she stays so young at heart.
I see Richard himself wrote a comment, above. God bless to all of Richard and his family, and to Ms. Dora, for telling us all this amazing story.
Up, +++
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You're welcome, HuntGoddess. I love a good story myself, and I think that Mother Louise and her son Richard make excellent topics. Thanks for your kind input.
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